Join Maria, a young Russian farm girl, evading capture and traveling the world.

The story begins with Maria, a young woman struggling to survive in medieval Russia. Through a series of tragic events, she must travel from Rostov, upstream on the Volga river across Northwestern Russia to find safety with relatives in a distant city. Along the way she is exposed to a dangerous, unforgiving world, far beyond the conservative village she had always known. Her experience becomes a personal journey in trust, adventure, love and destiny.

Readers will be taken on an exciting journey filled with folklore, Russian history, and romantic encounters. The pace is fast as Maria travels by ship trying to evade Tatar soldiers who seek to return her to Rostov. Armed only with a handful of items and the knowledge her parents gave her, she must trust her life to complete strangers while learning to survive in a world where nothing is as it seems. Her story unfolds with chaotic twists that drive her to a destiny far greater than she ever imagined.

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Über den Autor

Shiån Serei grew up in a family of traditional farmers in Yateley, England. His family relocated to the United States where he attended the University of New York and later worked as a TV script and ghost writer before turning his talent toward romantic fiction. He is a travel addict and uses his transit experiences when developing character and story lines. He also explores local history and folklore to find unique elements to serve as backdrops for scenes. Shiån relied heavily on his childhood in England and his multiple trips to Russia in developing the Kingdom of Meridian Romance Series, beginning with volume I, The Bee Keeper's Daughter.

I don't typically read historical fiction, but a friend recommended this one and I have to say, it's amazing! I got hooked before finishing the first chapter and really enjoyed the use of foreign phrases throughout the dialogue. (Thanks for adding the translation index in the back). I grew up in the U.S. but my parents are from Russia, and this story really gave me a sense of my heritage and the life that my past generations might have lived. The characters are so intense and vivid and the twisting suspense was a welcome change to the typical damsel in distress themes that historic fiction usually delivers. I was frustrated with the ending, only because I want to know what happens next...500 pages and the story is still holding me captive, well done Mr. Serei!